The Individual Guide

We’ve been to various alpine ski resorts e.g. Le Grand-Bornand, Espace Killy, Luz Ardiden and La Rosiere, however all told through all the family’s ski holidays Chamonix Mont Blanc France constitutes our most loved area to go for skiing holidays Europe.

The provenance of European alpine history and home to the impressive Monte Bianco - at 4807m the EC’s highest point - Chamonix town sports a good historical snow register, a abundant winter season (Nov-Apr), unmatchable extreme skiing, and perspectives to die for. Indeed Chamonix France has an multinational reputation for a lot of the most striking, challenging, and stimulating snowboarding procurable anywhere in the planet.

Chamonix town is huge and every bit as daunting, and that is before one figure in the adjoining ski towns; including Flaine, Verchaix, Flegere, Risoul and Val Thorens.

The Mont Blanc Unlimited ski lift pass covers seven local, and 14 territorial skiing towns; on terrain equal to 3842m, more than 230 ski lifts, and 700 kilometres of skiing tracks - and the majority of the ski areas higher up than 2020 metres. They provides for every tier from beginners as well as expert skiers. See our skiing areas page for detailed look at each of the big fields: Brevent, Les Trois Vallees, Chamonix, La Plagne, Tignes-les-Brevieres and Araches-la-Frasse.

For this, you do not have to abandon your desk to go for online poker because you’ll do everything from your domestic environment if you have access to a pc and a broadband internet connection.

In spite of this, hold on for a while– there are quite a number of prompts which you must train yourself in regarding online poker, in particular if you’re still a beginner. So quell your hormones to investigate what follows here. Here’s our sketch that guides you what to focus on if you’re picking out a reputable, secure online poker establishment.

The very first thing which I as a cagey Web plunger must chase out is an online poker Web page of the category that can guarantee the best winning odds. Establish for certain that the online poker Web page is scrutinized by a reputable, secure auditor so as to examine their quoted games payout in a documented manner. This can be quite helpful to determine the cash you are about to lay as a part of your expected binge will justify the trouble.

Beyond, here are several other readouts regarding looking out for your online blackjack Web page.

Always be sure to ensure that the online blackjack Web page is licensed verifiably, for instance by checking out the government certified warrant on the casino site’s pages. If it’s not possible to determine any government certified warrant on your chosen online blackjack Web page, don’t endeavor to test the odds with that Web page.

After, you will be best advised to charily view the mixed promotional deals that the online blackjack Web page presents you with.

Yet another tip could be to lay your bets initially with insignificant sums in lieu of laying out top dollars on the fly. Check, first of all, the status of this online blackjack system prior to triggering some undue risk, in particular money loss… The last prompt regarding virtual video poker. It must be to always remember that online casino betting should really be about fun rather than money. Wagering in an online casino is definitely no profession, rather, it is a leisure pursuit which intends to make you chipper and life as a whole enjoyable.

If you have minded the elucidated pointers, you are free to go ahead acquiesce to the temptation of online blackjack!

Bet Direct Up for Sale Again

In a light drizzle that chilly Sunday morning the Moccasin Ridge trek was underway. June hikes in Montana frequently offer the rain option and this was no exception. With hikes up that same route almost every weekend year round, a surprise on that familiar route would be…, well, surprising.

The trail up Moccasin Ridge is a perfect outdoor gym with a range of cardiovascular workout levels . The workouts range from relatively level stretches to full bore hill climbs, especially in the upper switchbacks criss-crossing the higher faces of the ridge. It’s not a Montana mountain peak but rather a hill among many within the intriguing Sapphire Range, and a Forest Service logging road, across the Clark Fork River from Clinton, MT.

The 5 mile training trail begins upon taking a sharp right turn immediately after crossing the Clark Fork at the Swartz Creek bridge. It serves as my private outdoor workout gym, a perfect training setting in every season and weather condition. The large and scenic Clark Fork River lies at the bottom. Moccasin Ridge offers a mountain spring trickling down one of draws, steep inclines, mountain meadows, massive ponderosa pines, deer flitting off into the woods, a small herd of elk lurking in the thicker stands of pines, and an occasional black bear is glimpsed disappearing into the brush.

Throwing on my training pack I set out in the gentle rain and the swirling mountain mists on the upper 2.2 mile leg of the hill climb. The higher climb provides steeper inclines, great views across the valley and surrounding range, and approximates the major Montana mountain trails elsewhere. The upper leg starts at a great knoll about halfway up Moccasin Ridge, expansive enough to set up a campsite under the enormous Ponderosas.

Getting out of the car, I was surprised at the lupines already forming flower heads. Little yellow glacier lilies were already in bloom when I had hiked the trail a couple of weeks before, but I thought they were usually way ahead of the curve for blooming plants at my workout gym. Initially, the trail leads from the knoll winding gently upward through pine groves. With the continual spring rains all the underbrush and grasses were flourishing in spingtime greens.

Wondering at my gradually fading vision, the startle effect was complete, as out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a hint of blue in the grass. Zeroing in on that splash of blue, to my amazement a tiny cluster of Montana bluebells came into focus - right there, right now this early part of June. I then realized that bluebells were all over that hillside meadow above the trail. Scattered among them were wonderful little yellow blossoms and white ones - the flowery beginnings of the springtime blossom parade!

I laughed at the curious spin this startling realization provided my perspective as I had worked this same trail a dozen times over the past 4 months. Typically, during the Moccasin Ridge workout the real processing occurs in the recesses of my mind and the “here and now” world provides a backdrop. Daily life struggles seize the initiative, venting and processing in the quiet solitude of these treks up the ridge.

This mountainside trek was no different. Our oldest son, Robert, had surprised us all, joined the Army, and “shipped out” to Basic Training just days before. This son of avowed peace loving, pacifist parents had voluntarily enlisted his services in a war machine, putting himself in dramatically dangerous circumstances. It was fitting that the hike up the mountain was a slog in the rain.

The Deities, being playful forces, seized the opportunity, springing a delightful surprise on me in the midst of all that grey and rain and grim introspection. A hint of blue in the springtime green, upon refocusing the attention, revealed a mountain meadow of flowers. I marveled at the irony. Continuing the hike, my pace quickened, the slog became an exploration of springtime wonders.

At the first half mile the trail takes a sharp and steep turn to the east, the first of the switchbacks working through tall timber. A deer startled, leaping from the trail into the brush and disappearing. Above the trail among trees and bushes multiple little pink spots were visible. Upon refocusing dozens of little pink shooting stars were seen scattered among the grasses. This grey, rainy June day took on a whole other hue and mood - those rascally Cosmic Forces.

The trail switchbacks criss-cross the steeper face of Moccasin Ridge for the next mile and a half, with more open meadows, steep inclines, and less timber to shelter from the continuing spring rain. The steep meadows were laced with clusters of blues, pinks, yellows and whites - the Dieties and spring had painted the hillside

As I finally topped the ridge at 2.2 miles, the rains decreased to light sprinkles. The mists swirling about the ridge lifted, and the clouds started to break up, offering some sunshine. A wonderful panorama opens upon topping the ridge, with the views back into Swartz Creek, hundreds of square miles of the Sapphire Range, and Elk Mountain standing tall right in the middle. The Deities graced me with meadows now awash with the pinks and reds of Indian Paintbrush along with the rest of the blue, white and yellow blooms.

A burst of sunshine, mountain meadows and blossoms of pinks, blues, yellows and whites while not a solution, at least offered some silver linings as a step in coping with the overall picture, providing a counterpoint. On the return down the mountain there was a little more of a spring in my step. At the end of that surprising hike I soaked my aching bones in the jaccuzi in our Missoula, Montana motel found at: http://www.montanaadventure.com/out/state/us-mt.html . It provided a perfect ending to an unexpectedly transformational day.

As web designer for the Montana Recreation Connection and Colorado Wilderness Tours at
( www.montanaadventure.com,
Gordon Hollingshead has provided an online travel directory for the past 10 years for people planning theri vacations and travels
throughout the western United States. More information contact Gordon at gordonh@montanaadventure.com.

The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite beauty of the
wilderness, the incomparable solitude, the simplicity of life on the trail,
and the rush of living a bit on the edge attract thousands of eager
backcountry enthusiasts. Sometimes enthusiasm gets in the way of
wisdom and adequate preparation. Hikers, campers and other nature
lovers can find themselves lost, unprepared or badly hurt. Colorado’s
Mountain Rescue Association reports its teams respond to more than
1,000 search and rescues per year. Victims often suffer from frostbite,
dehydration, shock or severe trauma. Not all emergencies can be
prevented, but many can. Poor preparation, poor judgment and hubris
can be a dangerous combination that can lead to pure misery, injury or
even death. Be wise and commit to the safety rules established by the
experts. The following 10 rules are promoted by the officials of The
Appalachian Club (www.outdoors.org) and the Colorado Mountain Club
(www.cmc.org) :

#1 Alert Others to Your Plans - Be sure to tell family or close
friends where you are going and when you plan to return. Fill out a hiker
log at the Ranger Station in the wilderness area that you intend to visit.
Know who can initiate a search and rescue in the area you are visiting. It
may be the County Sheriff, but in the National Park system it’s the Park
Ranger.

#2 Educate Yourself - There is an ethic of self-reliance in the
backcountry. You have to rely on your own abilities to stay out of a jam,
or get yourself out of one. You must know your own limitations. If you
are heading into a new area, study the guidebooks. Ask around to get
as much information you can on the terrain, the type of experience, the
topography, and any other features you may need to watch out for. Do
not overlook the option of traveling with an organized group with a
knowledgeable leader to give you at least an introduction.

#3 Expect Weather to Change Quickly - In many locations,
weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. Seasonal changes can
add to this challenge most anywhere. Be sure to check weather reports
before heading out, and if the forecast is dismal, postpone your trip. The
trail will be there tomorrow.

#4 Dress to Prevent Hypothermia - Heed this advice, even if
you are planning a simple day hike. The chief reason that people die in
the backcountry is hypothermia or ‘exposure’ - a lowering of core body
temperature. Jeans and cotton t-shirts become a real problem when
they become wet and hold moisture next to the skin while drawing heat
away from the body. Polypropylene and silk wick moisture away from
the skin and help retain body heat. Next, consider insulating layers such
as synthetic fleece or wool, and an outer shell that protects from wind or
moisture. A hat will significantly help preserve body heat. Loose-fitting
clothing is better than tight fitting. Feet can become cold if your belt or
boots are too tight and impairing your circulation.

#5 Prioritize When Packing - The average survival experience
lasts three days. To negotiate that, you will need some sort of shelter
that provides a windbreak to keep you warm and dry, as well as water to
maintain hydration, a fire starter, a back-up fire starter, and a mirror for
signaling. Do not over-emphasize the usefulness of flares, strobes and
flashlights. Someone may possibly spot them accidentally at night, but
those intentionally looking for you will be searching in daylight. A fire is
more useful. It is reassuring when you are tired, panicky and cold. It can
warm you up, melt snow to keep you hydrated, or to treat a hypothermic
victim with warm liquid. A fire can be a signaling device during the day.
Remember the power of “3″ - three fires in a triangle, three columns of
smoke, three whistles and three gunshots, are the international signal
for distress.

#6 Know Your Equipment - If you are not quite sure how to use
your compass and topographical map, find the appropriate help or
course at an outfitter or in a book by experts. Maps, compasses, and
GPS devices are useless in your pocket. The time to read the
instructions on your emergency fire starter is not when it is dark, you’re
cold, and your hands are shaking. Using your equipment should be
second nature. Survival will be 10% equipment, 10% knowing how to
use it, and 80% will be your own intelligence and attitude.

#7 Stay Hydrated - Drink a minimum of two quarts of water a
day. Hydration is incredibly important in preventing hypothermia and in
maintaining the ability to think clearly. If you lose two percent of your
body’s fluid content through normal sweat and urination, and don’t
replenish it, you can begin experiencing headaches, nausea,
sleeplessness, increased heart rate and decreased muscle strength.
The body cannot generate heat if it’s dehydrated. If you are planning to
get water from a river or stream, bring a water filter or some method of
disinfecting or treating it. Some people boil it. In a survival situation,
keeping yourself hydrated makes drinking any available water worth the
risk. Although water-borne viruses do exist in rivers and streams, you
will probably be rescued by the time that virus makes you sick. Staying
hydrated is most critical.

#8 Feast on Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates provide quick
and sustainable energy. Complex carbohydrates are best, but a mix of
simple and complex carbohydrates is perfectly suitable. Bring foods
such as fruit and granola bars that provide concentrated energy for the
least amount of weight. Proteins, such as beef jerky, are the worst. Your
body needs time and energy to break down proteins, and they can
require a lot of water.

#9 Remain Calm - Keeping your wits about you in an
emergency situation will prolong your life and greatly increase the odds
of survival. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is the biggest
advantage in a survival situation. This is especially important if you
have an injury, a fatality, or someone who is hypothermic or giving up.
These situations will have a debilitating effect on the group. Rescuers
report that they have had people run away from them because they’re in
a hysterical, threatened mindset. Be cool and calm to help you survive.
(Remember, the average situation lasts three days.)

#10 Stay Put - If you become delayed, don’t take off in a
different direction or try a shortcut. Alpine rescuers say that the biggest
problem they have is that people are not where they are supposed to
be. They are often miles from where they said they were going to be. If
you become badly lost, settle down and stay put.

Get Wild…Stay Safe!

Copyright 2005 Karen B. Cohen All rights Reserved.

Karen B. Cohen is a performance and wellness coach living in a college
town in rural Virginia. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Karen enjoys a
variety of pursuits in the Upper Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge
Mountains. She is an expert yoga instructor and occasionally leads
yoga hikes near her home. She is available for seminars, workshops
and individual coaching, and can be reached through her latest project
http://www.RockbridgeMag.com

(Karen@RockbridgeMag.com)